Singh inaugurates review and monitoring DBT in Mnp

Our Correspondent
Imphal, August 30 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh expressed the need to explore scientific means to conserve the precious biodiversity wealth of the State including rare Shirui Lily and Sangai.
He also expressed the hope that experts in the field of Biotechnology would extend help the state in harnessing the technology for the overall growth and development of the region, and thereby contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a New India by 2022.
Biren was speaking at the Inaugural Session of the 7th Review and Monitoring cum Mentoring Meeting of Department of Biotechnology (DBT) sponsored Biotech Hubs in North East India here on Wednesday.“We need to learn and live in harmony with nature. Let’s listen to the soulful cries of the sick Loktak Lake, pangs of the precarious Sangai and anguished whispers of Shirui Lily. I hope biotechnology can do something to conserve these precious biodiversity and ecosystem resources urgently,” says Biren. “Let’s not forget how to conserve our precious biodiversity wealth and traditional practices and indigenous wisdom. The rare species will not come back once it is disappeared.”
Biren contended that as someone who has been associating with governmental efforts in various capacities since 2002 in the service of the people of Manipur, especially in the area of Forest and Environment, he can foresee the potential role of Biotechnology in every sector of the economy, be it agriculture, food, energy or environment.
Manipur is famous for its pineapple, Kachai lemon, orange, rare orchids, endemic medicinal plants and rare animals and wildlife, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has been celebrating different festivals to promote these bio-resources.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Adya Prasad Pandey of Manipur University, Advisor Dr T Madhan Mohan of Department of Biotechnology, Dean Prof W Vishwanath of School of Life Sciences,Head of Department of Economics Prof Amar Yumnam, Dean Prof N Rajmuhon of School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, all from Manipur University, former Director Dr B Ravindran of Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneshwar, and Director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development also attended opening function of two-day meeting as presidium members and it was organised by Advanced Level State Biotech Hub, Department of Biochemistry (Manipur University) under the sponsorship of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.